EX ENGLAND CRICKETER HANDED COMMUNITY ORDER FOR CHILD ASSAULT
A former England cricket player was brought before the courts after physically assaulting a young child by choking him and pushing him into a radiator during a brief episode of loss of self-control.Charlie Roebuck, aged 31, had initially told the child to sit on the stairs following an argument with his sister.
When Roebuck went out for a run, he encountered the boy, and the situation escalated violently.
The young boy sustained injuries to his neck, back, and arm after hitting the radiator and a pile of shoes.
Leeds Crown Court was informed that the injuries were observed by the child's school, which had been previously told by the mother that the child had fallen.
The headteacher was concerned when the injuries on both sides of the child's neck did not align with the fall explanation.
After questioning the child, he revealed that Roebuck had grasped him by the neck and thrown him to the ground, causing neck injuries.
The incident was also witnessed by his younger brother, who later expressed fears about returning home and a desire to live with his father and stepmother.
Roebuck was interviewed on July 8 of the previous year, during which he explained that he heard an argument over a toy, instructed the boy to share his sister’s toy, and told him to sit upstairs on the step.
He stated that he decided to go for a run and reacted near the door, claiming he only intended to remove the boy but used inappropriate force, unaware of the injuries at the time.
Roebuck admitted that the incident was a momentary lapse, which the court accepted, but the injuries the next day indicated that significant force had been applied.
Living on Dudley Road in Huddersfield, Roebuck entered a guilty plea for child cruelty after a plea agreement, trial, and preliminary hearings.
He has no prior convictions.
His defense cited mental health challenges, noting he has been receiving therapy and psychological treatment from the Professional Cricketers Association.
The court heard that Roebuck had previously engaged with Sporting Chance and had taken measures to address his mental health, including participating in sports and helping young people.
On the day of the assault, his family believed he had disappeared, and he was later found by his sister after attempting self-harm.
His legal team described him as a kind and decent man who feels remorse for his actions.
Judge Guy Kearl imposed a two-year community order, including 25 days of rehabilitative work and 150 hours of unpaid community service.
The judge commented on the injuries, stating, "You caused injuries to his neck, arm, and back.
These injuries no doubt caused him to cry, and frightened him, which wasn't over in minutes.
I accept this was a momentary loss of self-control." The court emphasized that, although the incident was described as momentary, the force used was considerable, and Roebuck expressed remorse.
The judge considered his mental health history and efforts to seek help, concluding that he is a good man who regrets his actions.
